♥ Chapter 9: Sad Goodbyes ♥

Olivia's time at her aunt and uncle's home has now come to a close. It's gonna be hard for Olivia to say goodbye since she's had so many fun memories here at the farmhouse. But read chapter 9 below to find out what keeps her excited for her journey up ahead!
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But then Olivia's happy summer vacation ended like an unwelcomed, unexpected phone call. It was now time for Olivia to be picked up by her family to go back home. She would then start back in school and begin 8th grade. Time had flown by abruptly for Olivia and her cousins. Recalling her sweet memories at her aunt and uncle's house, Olivia thought about the big surprise that Aunt Rosemary is pregnant, and when Olivia and Emily spent time fishing, playing laser tag, and visiting the zoo. It really is hard to say goodbye to this family who not only hosted me but spent time with me and loves me dearly. Olivia thought to herself. Suddenly, the doorbell interrupted her thoughts. Livi welcomed her parents into the farmhouse where she had spent her entire summer and where she had built unforgettable memories too. "Hey, Livi! How are you doing?" her mom greeted as they embraced in a nice, warm hug. "Hey, Mom! I'm doing great! I've got so many stories to tell you and Dad!"
"I bet so! They're really fun to be around." Mom replied.
Then, Olivia's father chimed in, "Would you rather stay here or go home with us?"
"Well, that's a loaded question, but the farmhouse was really fun ... I kinda wish I could stay here all year long and forget about school." Livi replied sadly.
"Imagine how hard it was for Shannon to have her best friend move away for the summer." Dad added. Olivia's perspective changed. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped to the floor. "Shannon was in tears when you left. Remember, she doesn't have a sister to talk to." Dad continued.
Recooperating, I replied, awestruck at this new reality, "Wow, I never thought about it that way. Thanks for telling me, Dad."
"Now, Shannon is so excited that you're coming back. She's been planning a big surprise for you!" Mom said to cheer her up.
"Oh my! That's awesome! I can't wait to get back home! Well, let's get going then!"
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Livi soon packed up her belongings and loaded it in her parents' car. Since it was a two-door car, it was packed like sardines. Soon, it was time to say goodbye to her loved ones who had taken good care of her for this past summer. She hugged Uncle Ken, saying, "We'll see you later, Uncle Ken. Thanks for letting me come over and bombard your house for the summer!"
"It's been a pleasure, Livi. I'll see ya later," he replied, tipping his cowboy hat to Olivia, so as to say, "So long, my friend! I'm looking forward to see you sometime really soon!"

Saying goodbye to Aunt Rosemary, who was at Uncle Ken's side, was just as difficult. "Thank you for cooking all those meals and having me here." A warm hug came from her dear aunt. "Darling, I'm so glad you could come. Next time you see us, we'll have a new baby in our arms."

Then, Hope came a'running to say goodbye to her cousin Olivia. "Bye, Livi,"
"Bye, Hope."

Timid little Josh waved goodbye to Olivia. Waving back, she said, "See ya later, Josh."
Julia rushed to Livi's open arms in an embrace and said goodbye. "I wish you could stay with us forever, Livi."
"I do too, Jules. I've had an awesome time here! I hope to visit y'all again soon."
"Yes, Livi, very soon."
Last -- but not least -- Emily came up to her cousin, Olivia, who was her same exact age. Tears rolled down Emily's cheeks. "Emily, it'll be alright. I'm coming back soon."
Emily's tears subsided for a moment. "I hope so, Livi! That would be so awesome!" She shouted with joy at this happy thought.
"And next time I see you, you'll be holding your baby brother in your arms!" Olivia happily cheered.
"Oh, yes! That's so exciting! Talk to ya later, Best Cousin Forever!"
"See ya, Emily, my best 10-year-old cousin forever!"
This goodbye ended in happy tears and broad smiles for everyone in the group.